The 2023 Toyota Highlander offers a well-rounded package of practicality, technology, and comfort, making it a go-to choice for families. With its three-row seating and available hybrid powertrain, it combines spaciousness with efficiency, positioning itself as a strong contender in the midsize SUV segment. Its reputation for reliability and an array of safety features continues to make it a popular option for everyday use and long road trips.
The exterior of the Highlander balances boldness with sleekness. Its sculpted lines and contoured surfaces give it a modern, athletic stance. The front grille, paired with slim LED headlights, emphasizes its aggressive yet approachable front fascia. Side character lines add a sense of motion, and optional 20-inch wheels boost its visual appeal. The overall design creates a harmonious blend of family-friendly durability and stylish flair.
Under the hood, the 2023 Highlander comes with two engine options. The base model features a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, replacing the previous V6. This new engine offers a balance of power and efficiency, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. For those seeking greater fuel economy, the hybrid variant combines a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors, delivering a combined 243 horsepower. Both powertrains offer smooth acceleration, with available all-wheel drive enhancing traction and stability.
The Highlander’s fuel economy is top of in its class. The base turbocharged engine achieves an estimated 24 mpg combined, while the hybrid version excels with up to 36 mpg combined, making it a standout option for drivers who prioritize efficiency without sacrificing capability. The hybrid model is ideal for long road trips or daily commutes, helping families save on fuel costs.
Toyota continues to prioritize safety in the 2023 Highlander, equipping it with its Safety Sense 2.5+ suite as standard. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist. Optional features such as a surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, and blind-spot monitoring further enhance its safety offerings. These advanced safety features contribute to the Highlander’s reputation as one of the safest family SUVs on the market.
Inside, the Highlander offers a spacious and comfortable cabin with seating for up to eight passengers. High-quality materials, soft-touch surfaces, and available leather upholstery create an upscale feel, especially in higher trims. The 8-inch touchscreen is standard, while a larger 12.3-inch display is available, both featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. Ample cargo space behind the third row makes it practical for families, and the second-row captain’s chairs (available in higher trims) add extra comfort for rear passengers.
The 2023 Highlander is available in several trims: L, LE, XLE, XSE, Limited, and Platinum. Pricing starts around $37,000 for the base L trim, which comes well-equipped with standard features like tri-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch touchscreen, and Toyota Safety Sense. The mid-range XLE, priced around $43,000, adds more luxury with leatherette seating, a power sunroof, and a power liftgate. The top-tier Platinum trim, starting at around $51,000, offers a 12.3-inch touchscreen, heated and ventilated front seats, and a panoramic sunroof, among other premium features. The hybrid models come at a slight premium, but they offer significant savings in fuel costs over time.
The 2023 Toyota Highlander remains a top choice for families seeking a reliable, well-equipped SUV with plenty of space and strong safety features. Its versatile trim lineup, hybrid options, and modern styling make it competitive in the midsize SUV segment, appealing to a wide range of drivers. Whether for daily commutes or family road trips, the Highlander offers a comfortable, fuel-efficient, and tech-savvy driving experience.
